On April 23, 2026, Stefan J. Stas took his final flight. Fondly known to friends as Steve, he lived a life defined by passion, precision, and adventure.

Steve was born on September 7, 1945, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to Edward and Virginia (Kelly) Stas. At just 15 years old, he began taking flying lessons at a local airstrip, igniting a lifelong love of aviation.

In September 1965, Steve proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, serving as an aviation ordnance man during the Vietnam War. A wartime veteran, he remained deeply proud of his service and loved everything about the Marine Corps except, as he often joked, the early mornings. He graduated college in South Carolina as an Electrical Engineer and later became CEO of Music Semiconductors in Hackettstown, New Jersey.

Steve pursued auto racing and went on to earn a Formula Ford Championship, a testament to his love of speed and technical mastery. Steve had an appreciation for many things, skiing, marksmanship, engineering, and the art of tinkering. His engineering skills found their truest expression in working on vintage cars and airplanes, Aston Martins, Jaguars, and Stearmans.

While aviation and speed fueled his spirit, Steve also cherished life’s quieter moments. He could often be found sitting beneath the wing of a plane, enjoying the scenery with a good book and a fine glass of wine. He had a deep appreciation for classical music and was an accomplished pianist, regularly playing his grand piano while his beloved Corgis lay at his feet, content in his presence and music.

Brilliant and endlessly curious, Steve could work on nearly any aircraft, though he held a special love for radial engines and vintage airplanes. He was widely known and respected in the aviation community for his technical knowledge and aerobatic skill, and he was invited to participate in numerous fly‑ins and air shows with his cherished biplane.

A true connoisseur of fine food, Steve often bragged about his wife’s exceptional culinary skills. Together, he and his wife retired to Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed their years surrounded by shared passions and quiet joys.

Steve leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Loretta G. Stas; his stepdaughter, Jennifer Glynn‑Haag; his step‑granddaughters, Kiley Haag and Lexi Haag; his cherished Corgi, Gunny; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Virginia Stas, his brother, David, and his sister, Donna. He is survived by his brother, Frank Stas.

The family extends special thanks to Lehigh Valley / Jefferson Hospital for their compassionate care.

A viewing will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford, PA. A funeral service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. by Rev. Bonnie Resseguie. Steve will be buried with military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s memory to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.

Semper Fidelis